I'll just state once again, that the Penguins are very high on Tangradi still and him not being higher in the lineup last season (at least in some small regard) was not a product of his play. I think he's going to be given some sort of shot this season to figure it out in a role that doesn't include working with Craig Adams.

If not, he'll continue to be a top-6 forward in WBS, which is not a joke either. If he doesn't work in the NHL, he has a pretty bright AHL future actually...he's a good fit down there from what I've heard and seen (limited on the "seen", to be honest).

mikey287 wrote:I'll just state once again, that the Penguins are very high on Tangradi still and him not being higher in the lineup last season (at least in some small regard) was not a product of his play. I think he's going to be given some sort of shot this season to figure it out in a role that doesn't include working with Craig Adams.

If not, he'll continue to be a top-6 forward in WBS, which is not a joke either. If he doesn't work in the NHL, he has a pretty bright AHL future actually...he's a good fit down there from what I've heard and seen (limited on the "seen", to be honest).

He's been on the stronger WB/S pens since he arrived here. He's dominant on the puck, carries it more than anyone else on the team through the neutral zone, he's strong in the corners and can basically move some AHL defenders at will when battling for pucks. He stands out on the ice in the AHL, which is probably why the big club remains so high on him.

One of the more impressive aspects of his AHL game is seeing him read the play defensively. He has really good hockey instincts for anticipating what the other team is doing...that being said, he isn't always 100% invested defensively, which isn't out of place for 'power forward' winger.

BTW, this is a relatively small sample for me...I've seen him play 7 times while in a WB/S Pens jersey...but he's pretty darn consistent in his play, and certainly seems to be a perrenial AHL All-Star.

sil wrote:...but he's pretty darn consistent in his play, and certainly seems to be a perrenial AHL All-Star.

Interesting since he had 2 meaningful seasons in the AHL and was never an all-star. Numbers were good, but certainly not great due to the fact that the Pens kept calling him up.

Listen, I'm not here to get into a argument over what are clearly opinions. I assess Eric as having absolutely no NHL value whereas others do. Sorry if I offended. We will see how his career evolves. He is only 23 so you never know. I could be very wrong. I'll gladly eat crow.

We will see how camp goes. It would be great if he clicks with Malkin letting Kunitz slide down to Crosby's wing. The guy is in great shape this year, best of his life probably. If that can translate to some quicker speed and endurance then he can log 15-18 minutes a game and keep up with Malkin. He's always had the skill, hopefully it shows itself fully soon.

DelPen wrote:We will see how camp goes. It would be great if he clicks with Malkin letting Kunitz slide down to Crosby's wing. The guy is in great shape this year, best of his life probably. If that can translate to some quicker speed and endurance then he can log 15-18 minutes a game and keep up with Malkin. He's always had the skill, hopefully it shows itself fully soon.

The 'skill' is a little different with him though. Eric's more of an old-fashioned power forward type. He doesn't really have the tools we currently associate with the term "skill," though I know that's not exactly what you meant. He can score, don't get me wrong, but he isn't going to toe-drag arounda defender and handle the puck through pressure. Eric, if he's effective in the NHL, will look much more like Kunitz and/or Ryan Malone.